Illegal Dumping Prevention and Enforcement

Illegal dumping has been a long-standing concern in the Regional District of Nanaimo. In 2012, 42 tonnes of illegally dumped material was recovered and disposed of appropriately.

Although it represents only .0002% of the total solid waste generated in the region, illegally dumped material can have serious effects on the environment, wildlife habitat and the ability of others to use and enjoy outdoor recreational areas.

Illegal dumping is an ugly blight on our landscape with many unseen impacts. Harmful chemicals are produced as rainfall percolates through garbage, potentially damaging ground and surface water and fish habitat. Wildlife can be injured, poisoned, maimed or killed as a result of foraging through garbage looking for food. Bears can develop a taste for human discards and become a nuisance, which can result in them being killed when they start foraging in people's yards looking for garbage.

By dumping illegally, violators create a problem that costs everyone in the region. The RDN is taking several steps to combat and prevent illegal dumping, including funding the clean-up of disposal sites and allocating staff time to carry out illegal dumping surveillance, prevention, education and enforcement activities.

Yard waste is still a "waste". Disposing of yard and garden waste other than at an approved facility is still illegal dumping. Waste attracts other waste and illegal dumping encourages other similar activity.

Pursuant to RDN Bylaw No. 1386, those who generate (own), deliver or abandon waste illegally can be subject to a fine of up to $200,000.

What Can You Do...

Appropriately dispose of extra garbage, household hazardous waste and other materialsHere are some options:

Purchase $3 garbage tags to put out up to two extra containers with your regular garbage collection. Click Here for more information.

Take your garbage to the Regional Landfill at 1105 Cedar Road in Nanaimo, or to the Church Road Transfer Station at 860 Church Road in Parksville. Both facilities are open from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday. Click Here for more information.

Check the on-line RDN Recycling Directory for facilities near to you that accept yard and garden waste, unwanted appliances, paint, motor oil and many other materials for recycling or safe disposal.

Organize a community clean up in your neighbourhood. Contact Solid Waste Services at (250) 390-6560 or 1-877-607-4111 (toll-free) to get any disposal fees waived.

Supported Community Groups/Events in 2013

Bowser Beach Clean-up

Lion's Club Tree Chipping

Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up

Chase River Clean-up

Nanaimo River Clean-up

Schooner Cove Clean-up

CUPE Cares

Mid-Island ATV Club

City of Nanaimo Invasive Plant Awareness

Nanoose Bay Stream-keepers

Tim Horton's Community Clean-up

Lantzville Beach Clean-up

Project "Do Something" – Little Mountain

Area F Broom-busters

Oceans Day

Observe, record and report

Help combat illegal dumping by observing, recording and reporting:

Serious environmental violations in progress

Call the Provincial Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277 to report illegal waste disposal anywhere in BC.

All illegal dumping in the Regional District of Nanaimo (outside the municipalities of Nanaimo, Parksville, Town of Qualicum and Lantzville)